fear of outside

[marna]

Hi there
My dog Justice is the best ever, lol, any way got him when he was 9 mths old and he was brilliant, well in all ways but the fact that the poor thing got spooked by fireworks and now refuse to go out of house, we have to take him on lead into garden, but then he runs back inside, the problem is now that he pee in the house.

We do crate them when not here, but as soon as he get the change he will pee or poo at the chair, I am really concerned for him, as he just refuse to go out now at all to go toilet.

any advise will be apresiated

[kojakusa]

Poor boy (I also had a fireworks incident with my dog, though fortunately without the lasting trauma).

I'm not sure exactly how to get him over his fear, but this is what I would attempt: Put him on the leash indoors, walk him around (inside) for a bit, maybe distract him with some treats, making him stop and sit before receiving them, and after a few minutes of this, continue the exercise by marching out the door for a brisk walk (You might prep for this by having the door open during the indoor 'walk' so that you don't give him time to become fearful as you fumble with the doorknob). I would not make a big deal of any of this. If he walks with you and sits for his treat that should be all he gets. Maybe a mild 'good boy' to go with it. I would especially avoid making a big deal of it if you do get him out the door without incident - act like it's nothing, because that is what it needs to be. Don't stay out for too long at first, but make him heel back to the house, and sit before going through the door. My idea here is to get his mind focused on doing something (training - and treats if they help) so that he doesn't have time to think about how scary he believes the outdoors to be.

Another thought is to have someone else with a dog come over and take them both out - again, a distraction, and also a role model to see he doesn't have to be afraid of going outdoors.